Interference of the gods in humans' lives

One major recurring theme throughout "Adventures of Ulysses" in the influence of the gods in humans' lives. Eris arrives uninvited to Peleus and Thetis' wedding, bringing an apple for the fairest. This causes Aphrodite to bribe Paris, the judge, with the promise to have any woman he desires, suggesting Helen. Paris kidnaps Helen, causing the Trojan War and all of Ulysses' adventures. Angrily believing the Hellenes are trying to steal his naiads, Poseidon has Aeolus send a gale to set the Hellenes' ships off course. Morpheus causes sleepers to dream, especially the inhabitants of Libya. Persephone creates the lotus-flower for her nephew in order to induce sleepers to dream. Morpheus manipulates the Hellenes' nightmares into pleasant dreams of home though he is unable to help Ulysses. Poseidon grants Polyphemus' prayer to punish Ulysses for blinding the Cyclops, causing Ulysses to wander for...